Sequential switch release mechanism



o. s. IGREESON 2,587,144

Feb. 26, 1952 SEQUENTIAL SWITCH RELEASE MECHANISM- 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 14, 1950 Orion .5. Greesan INVENTOR.

Mm By 5%,. 5%

1952 o. s. GREESON SEQUENTIAL SWITCH RELEASE MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 14, 1950 Orion 5. Greeson IN V EN TOR.

Feb. 26, 1952 s, GREESON 7 2,587,144

SEQUENTIAL SWITCH RELEASE MECHANISM Filed Feb. 14. 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig-3 Fig 4 Orion 5. Greeson INVENTOR.

BY WW E Patented Feb. 26, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SEQUENTIAL SWITCH RELEASE MECHANISM Orion 8. Greeson, Elizabeth, N. J. Application February 14, 1950, Serial No. 144,079

7 Claims. 1

This invention relates to control means for closing electrical circuits at difierent rates, and more particularly to a. release mechanism for restoring a multiple switch unit with interdependent switching mechanism operating at different rates as described in the copending application. Serial No. 107,598, filed July 29, 1949, before the multiple switch unit has completed its entire cycle of functioning, the present application being a continuation in part of application Serial No. 107,598.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a release mechanism for instantly restoring the multiple switch unit to its normal or unactivated position from any other position in a cycle of functioning.

A further object of the invention is to provide a release mechanism for restoring certain elements of the switch to a normal position from a predetermined position in the cycle of functioning, while leaving other elements in an operated position.

Further and more specific objects of the invention will be readily apparent after an inspection of the above identified copending application, and these, together with the various ancillary objects of the invention which will become apparent as the following description proceeds, are attained by this switch release mechanism, a preferred embodiment of which has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the multiple switch unit with the switch release mechanism in operative connection therewith, the multiple switch unit being shown in its initial or normal position;

Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the structure shown in Figure 1;

Figures 3 and 4 are partial plan views showing the switch release mechanism and the multiple switch in other operating positions;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a bellcrank comprising one element of the invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a lever adapted to be secured to a movable member of the multiple switch unit;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a locking member adapted to be mounted on the base plate of the multiple switching unit; and

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the driving head which is connected to the driving or primary switch of the multiple switch unit.

With continuing reference to the accompanyating arm I6 is actuated by an electromagnet operating device generally indicated as at 20, and both trip operating arms I6 and switch actuating arms !8 are coupled or connected by the motion-transmitting or locking device generally indicated at 2|.

The trip operating arms [6 may be hinged to the vertical posts H and the switch actuating arms l8 may be hinged to the vertical posts I5, as indicated at H, or they may consist of elastic arms fastened at one end to the vertical posts H and I5. The free ends of the trip operating arms l5 and 18 are movable and switch actuating arms are operated by the electromagnet 2|! and the latching device 2|, respectively. The initial position or normal position for the trip operating arm I6 is defined by the rod 40 which is actuated by the electromagnet 20 and the switch actuating arm l8 rests against block Ti supported on the base l2 near the free end of switch actuating arm it. As can be readily seen from an inspection of the drawings, there are two sets of these multiple switch units shown.

The post I5 carries insulating blocks between which contact springs are arranged and connected to electrically actuated apparatus which the multiple switch is designed to control. These contact springs are generally indicated by reference numeral 24. The post l4 carries a simulating spring 25 for returning trip operating arm ii to normal after operation. The electromagnet 20 for actuating the rod 40 which engages the trip operating arm l6 comprises a solenoid 34 mounted on the base plate 12 and provided with a core piece 35 carrying an armature 36. The armature, when attracted upon energization of the solenoid 34, pushes the rod 40 outwardly and thereby moves the trip operating arm l6 to an operative position, which, in turn, through motion-transmitting device 2|, pushes the switch actuating arm l8 to an operative position actuating contact springs 21. As shown in the draw ings, a plurality of multiple switching units are used. A rod 4| is connected to the switch actuating arm I8 for actuation of another trip operating arm iii of an adjacent unit. Thus, the trip operating arm I6 01 the adjacent unit is dependent upon the actuation of the switch actuating arm 15 of the first unit for the actuation thereof and, accordingly, the change in rat -s oi actuation of the electrical appliances to be controlled may be readily multiplied, since switch actuating arm [8 is actuated at a different rate than the trip operating arm l5.

The trip operating arms l5 carry a drive head 42. The latch devices 44 are carried by the switch actuating arms I5 and counter holding and locking segments 50 are fixed on the base plate l2.

The latch devices 44 each includes a vertical latch plate 45 which is hinged by means of a pintle 41 to a cradle member 45 which is carried by and fastened to the switch actuating arm l5. The plate 45 carries an arm 5| which is fixedly attached thereto and projectstherefrom. The arm 5| is arranged in a substantially horizontal plane and it supports at its end a guide pin 54. In addition, the latch plate carries two elastic pawls 55 and 55 which are preferably made from spring steel or the like. Each of the spring pawls 55 and 55 consists of a leaf spring with a bent end, the ends being at an angle to the remainder of the leaf spring and forming the raking edge of the pawls. Pawl 55 engages the driving head 42,.while pawl 55 engages the locking segment 55. The pawls therefore determine the angular position of the latch plate 45 relative to the switch actuating arm l8. The latch plate 45 has a coil spring 51 attached thereto at one end. The other end of the coil spring 51 is attached to a pin 58 projecting from the secondary switch actuating arm l5. The spring 51, therefore, draws the hinged latch plate 45 inwardly.

The driving head 42 is shown more fully in Figure 9. This driving head substantially comprises a block which is U-shaped and which is provided with a yoke. A bore 55 passes through the yoke. Through the bore, a bolt 5| passes which is held in the cradle member 52 which is fixedly connected to the trip operating arm i5. At its end, the yoke of the block 42 is provided with a guide rod 52 passing through a slot in the guide post 43. By means of the guide rod 52 on the guide post 42, the drive head 42 is permitted only a substantially rectilinear movement. Additionally, the drive head 42 is provided with two legs 55 and 54 which are substantially parallel. One of the legs is provided with a step 52. The bent end of the pawl 55 may be applied against the step 52 if the latch plate 45 is in proper position. The second leg 54 of the drive head 42 is provided with a slanting end surface 55 running obliquely with respect to the axis of the U-shaped member 42. This leg is of shorter height than the yoke, but at its end is provided with a projection 15 of rhomboidal cross section. The rhomboid is formed on one side by the inclined surface 55 and on the other side by the parallel surface 51, both surfaces being vertical. Between these inclined surfaces, a vertical surface 55 is disposed which is a continuation of the inner vertical wall of the leg 54. The rhomboidal projection 15 and the adjacent contiguous surfaces of the leg 54 cooperate with the vertical guiding pin 54 on the horizontal arm ll of the latch plate 45.

Referring now to Figure 8 in particular, it will be seen that the locking segment 55 is preferably an angular piece with a vertical flange ll forming a support which is mounted on or carried by the base plate I2.- The vertical flange H carries a transversely projecting flange '12 which is cut in the manner as shown so as to form a locking tooth 15. The tooth II has a stepped surface 12 facing the secondary switch actuating arm [5 and substantially parallel thereto and an inclined surface 15 on the other side slanting at a comparatively acute angle away from the switch actuating arm is and forming an incline. The tooth 15 cooperates with the working end of the pawl 55. Obviously. the latch plate may be locked in this position when the pawl 55 is engaged behind the step 12 of the tooth 15 of the locking segment 55.

It is to be understood that an impulse of very short duration producing only a very small displacement of the trip operating arm l5 will operate the switch. Similarly, the push rod 45 may, of course, be operated in the same way by hand or by a mechanical device. The distance through which the push rod travels must only be equal to the distance between the pairs of switch contacts 21. This distance is chosen in accordance with the purpose which the switch is intended to serve in accordance with accepted principles of operation for such contacts.

When the switch is in its normal or initial position, the position of the various parts is that as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. The two trip operating arms i5 and the two switch actuating arms l5 of each of the multiple switch units are substantially parallel and held in their position as defined by the push rod 45 and the block 11.

When in the normal position, the pawl 55 rests on the step 52 of the drive head 42 and is somewhat under tension. Pawl 55 rests on or is held above the incline I5 of the locking segment 55 and the spring pawl 55 is without tension. The guiding pin 54 on the arm 5! rests on the inner surface 55 of the rhomboidal projection 15 near the inner edge of the projection. The spring 51 is only very slightly tensioned. If the solenoid 24 is now energized, or if in any other way the push rod 45 transmits the first impulse to the trip operating arm, the latter is moved about its hinge and the drive head is moved forward toward the first secondary switch actuating arm l5. With the pawl resting against the step 52 of the drive head 42, the movement of the latter will move the latch plate 45 attached to the switch actuating arm l5, and the arm therefore closes a pair of the contacts 21. During this movement. the pawl 55 is riding on the incline 15 of the locking member 55. At the end of the forward stroke, the pawl 55 rides over the locking tooth I5 and is caught behind the step 12 of the locking tooth. The movement of the pawl 55 along the incline imparts to the latch plate 45 a tendency to move angularly and outwardly. This movement is, however, counteracted by the guide pin 54 pressing against the inner face 55 of the pro- Jection 10; therefore merely the pawl spring 55 is tensioned. In this position, which is the position assumed by the switch or switch actuating arm during the first impulse, switch actuating arm I! has closed its associated contact springs 24. Furthermore, since the trip switch actuating arm l5 of the first switching unit has been actuated, the trip operating arm l5 of the sec-- and switch unit is actuated by movement of the push rod 4|.

When the impulse ceases, push rod 45 and trip operating arm I5 return to their positions, the drive head 42 moves back along with the trip operating arm l6,-while the second switch actuating arm I8 does not move back, as the pawl 56 has been caught behind the step I3 of the locking tooth I5 of locking member 50. Switch actuating arm I8, therefore, remains locked in its operative position. However, as the. drive head 42 moves back, the relative positions of the latch plate 46, pawl 55, and drive head 42 now changes.

When the drive head 42 is moved back, the guide pin 54 loses contact with the inner wall 68 and moves outwardly along the side wall and finally passes the outermost edge. The tensioned and bent pawl 56 can now unbend and. the latch plate 46 is now moved annularly and outwardly, tensioning the spring 57. The guide pin 54 is now in front of the inclined wall 65 of the projection I0 without touching it. Pawl 55 has been lifted away from step 63 and is no longer touching one of the two sections formed by the step in the leg 60. It is to be noted that while trip operating arm I6 is now at rest, the secondary switch actuating arm I8 is in its operative position closing its contact 21 and is locked in position indefinitely until a second operation occurs upon pawl 56 held against step I3 of tooth 15. Thus, the push rod 4| has actuated the trip operating arm I6 of the second switch unit. The position of the parts will, therefore, be such as those indicated in Figure 3.

Upon a further impulse, the relay 34 is energized and moves the push rod 40 forward again. This movement of the trip operating arm I6 also entails a movement of the driving head 42 toward the latch plate which falls on the guiding pin 54. The latter now rides on the projection upon the movement of the drive head towards it, and is moved outwardly by the inclined outer face 65 of the rhomboidal section 10. A further angular movement of the latch plate 46 is thus produced, lifting pawl 56 out of the step 13 behind the locking tooth I5. Likewise, the pawl 55 is lifted further and now slides and rests on the upper face of the step 63 of leg 60. The second impulse therefore releases the secondary switch actuating arm I8 which is no longer held by locking member 50 and which, therefore, returns into its initial position, separating contacts 21 allied therewith. Thus, the primary trip operating arm I6 of the second multiple switch unit is released so that it may return to its rest position while the secondary switch actuating arm I8 of the second unit is held in an actuated position by its pawl 56 against the step I3 of the tooth I5, similar to that which held the secondary switch actuating arm of the first switch unit.

When the trip operating arm I6 of the first switch unit moves back, the guide pin 54 thereof rides on the inclined side 61 of the projection I0 and assumes the position for the first switch unit as shown in Figure l, while the pawl 55 thereof rides along the upper face of the leg 60 and drops down in front of step 63, where it rests. Pawi is held above the incline 76 or rests thereon.

It will be seen that a switch operation for the unit produces operational cycles for the two trip operating arms l6 and switch actuating arm I8 of the first unit which are progressing at different rates. The number of closing operations for trip operating arm I6 of the first unit with any given number of impulses, therefore, is exactly twice the number of closing operations performed by contacts 21 of the first unit which is in turn exactly twice the number of closing operations performed by contacts 21 of the second unit. Upon the addition of additional switching units, the number of impulses is multiplied by two for each additional switch unit thereon applied. However, the multiple switching unit with this interdependent switching mechanism operating at different rates is so designed that it can be restored to its normal position only by running through the entire cycle of functioning. While I means.

this, in many cases, is entirely satisfactory, it is desirable to provide a releasing mechanism to provide means whereby the switch may be instantly restored to its normal position from any position in the cycle of functioning.

Two methods of effecting the release are involved, which are both employed and their effects coordinate, as demanded by the position of the members of the switch with which the mechanism is associated. The structure to effect these releasing actions comprises an extension 80, see Fig. 5 which is formed on the latching pawl 56 near the free end and extending downward to ward the base I2. A post 82 extends upward from the base for each of the multiple switch units, and a bellcrank 84 is rotatably secured on top of this post by a rivet or other suitable The bellcrank moves in a plane parallel to the base I2 and the free end of one arm 86 of the bellcrank is under transverse flange I2. The other arm 88 of the bellcrank is forked as at 90, which forked end has a purpose to be henceforth explained.

An-extension arm 92 is secured to each of the primary trip operating arms I6 and extends toward the front of the switch units. Pivotally connected by means of a rivet or the like on the free end of the extension arm 92 is a pull lever generally designated by reference numeral 94. This pull lever is best shown in Figure 7. Riveted or elsewise connected so as to form a part of the pull lever 94 is a resilient erecting lever 96 which has an offset portion forming a cam 98. Firmly fastened to a stud (not shown) on the extension arm 92 and a hole I00 in the lever 94 is a retractile spring I02 which tends to pull the pull lever 94 inwardly. This movement is limited by a shoulder I04 formed on the extension arm. Fastened to each of the secondary switch actuating arms I8 is an extension arm I06. This extends to the front of the switch unit and the free end thereof is at the base of the erecting cam 98 so that when the secondary arm I8 is driven into its forward position and locked there and the primary arm travels to its backward position, the end of the extension arm I06 will ride up the slope of the cam 96 and thus erect the pull lever 94, i. e., it pushes the erecting lever outward until the hook I08 formed at one end of the pull lever 94 is positioned in front of the pin I I0, which it is to engage.

As will be seen best in Figures 3 and 4, the pull lever 94 is moved for engagement with pin III) by contact between cam surface 98 and the extension portion of the movable member I8. Actuation of the drawbar II2 effects movement of the pull lever which is connected to the trip operating arm I6 whereby the trip operating arm I6 and driving head 42 will move from the position of Figure 3 to the position of Figure 4, thereby effecting contact between the projection I0 and pin 54. By such action, the pawl 55 is disengaged from the shoulder 63.

A drawbar H2 is slidably mounted on the base I2 in front of the switch at right angles to the primary and secondary trip arms and parallel to the base ii. The drawbar II! is common to all of the switches in the series, that is, as shown in the drawings, the drawbar H2 is used for releasing the two multiple switch units shown. One end of the drawbar is secured to an electromagnet generally indicated at Ill which comprises an armature Ill, pole pieces ll, core ill, coil I22, having terminals ill for connection to a source of electrical power. A coil spring I" is terminally secured to a stud l2! secured to the base l2 remote from the electromagnet Ill and to the drawbar I12 through an aperture Ill therein. The spring is! continuously urges the drawbar H2 into its rearmost position, which is limited by shoulders III. A pair of pins I are securely attached to the drawbar III for engagement by the forked portion I. of the bellcrank II. The drawbar I I2 is slidably supported within a slot in a. plate I" mounted on the base II.

When the electromagnet H4 is energized, the drawbar is'pulled forward, actuating all bellcranks l4 and so effecting a release of all switches where the positions of the switch members demand a lifted release. All erected pull levers 84 will also be pulled forward, thus effecting a driven release on all switches where the positions of the switch members demand a driven release. These functions are possible because when the drawbar is pulled forward, the hooks I" will engage the pins III to pull the primary trip operating arm ll forward and the driving head 42 will engage release pin 84, thus unlatching the secondary arms ll. Additionally, when the drawbar H2 is pulled forward and if the latching pawl is in the notch II, the end of the bellcrank arm will engage the extension it thereof and lift the latching pawl out of the notch.

Since the drawbar is common to all of the switches in a series of switches, as has been shown with two switches in the drawings, it will be readily seen that this releasing mechanism is common to all of the switches. The two important functions performed by the releasing mechanisms are to restore the switches in a series to their normal positions after the switching mission of the series is completed without the necessity of the switches going through useless operations which would be disturbing to the circuits of which the switch series are a part. The other function, of equal importance, is to alter the pattern of the cycle of operations of a switch or switch series. As covered in the foregoing, a cycle of "functioning comprises a number of operations which are a power of two, that is, 4, 8, 16, and so on. The releasing mechanisms enable circuit arrangements to be madeso that the switch series will run partly through the cycle, then be released to normal, and run through to the same or any point in the cycle. The pattern may be further altered by omitting the bellcrank N or pull lever 94 from certain switches in the series.

Since, from the foregoing, the construction and advantages of this form of switch release mechanism are readily apparent, further description is believed to be unnecessary.

However, since numerous modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the foregoing specification and accompanying drawings, it is not intended to limit the invention to the precise embodiment shown and described but all suitable equivalents and modifications of this base arrangement may be readily resorted to which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Ill)

8 Having described the invention, what is claim as new is:

1. A multiple switch arrangement comprising a base having a primary switch and a secondary switch mounted thereon, a movable switch actuating member for each of said switches, switch contacts operated by said movable members. means for operating the movable member of each of said switches, a driving head on the operating means of each of the switches, each of said driving heads being provided with guiding means,

latch release means and coupling means, stationary locking members carried by said base in juxtaposition to each of said driving heads. a coupling and latching driven member connected with the movable member of each of said switches, adapted to engage the stationary locking members, the driven member connected with the movable member of the primary switch engageable with the operating means of the secondary switch to transmit motion thereto whereby a first operation of the primary switch operating means moves both movable switch actuating members to a locked position, said driving head retuming to its initial position and said coupling and latching driven member being disengaged from said driving head upon termination of said first operation, said driving head being actuatable upon a second operation of the primary switch operating means for movement into engagement with said coupling and latching driven member for effecting movement thereof from latching engagement with said stationary locking members.

2. A multiple switch arrangement comprising a base having a primary switch and a secondary switch mounted thereon, a movable switch actuating member for each of said switches, switch contacts operated by said movable members, means for operating the movable member of each of said switches, a driving head on the operating means of the primary switch, said driving head being provided with guiding means, latch release means and coupling means, stationary locking members carried by said base in juxtaposition to said driving head, a coupling and latching driven member connected with the movable member of each of said switches, adapted to engage the stationary locking members, the driven member connected with the movable member of the primary switch engageable with the operating means of the secondary switch to transmit motion thereto whereby a first operation of the primary switch operating means moves both movable switch actuating members to a locked position, said driving head returning to its initial position and one of the said coupling and latching driven members being disengaged from said driving head upon termination of said first operation, said driving head being actuatable upon a second operation of the primary switch operating means for movement into engagement with said one of the coupling and latching driven members for efiecting movement thereof from latching engagement with said stationary locking members, and release means for selectively effecting release of said movable switch members of said primary and secondary switches prior to the completion of the operating cycle of the driving head.

3. A multiple switch arrangement comprising a base having a primary switch and a secondary switch mounted thereon, a movable switch actuating member for each of said switches, switch contacts operated by said movable members, means for operating the movable member of each of said switches, a driving head on the operating means of the primary switch, said driving head being provided with guiding means, latch release means and coupling means, stationary locking members carried by said base in juxtaposition to said driving head, a coupling and latching driven member connected with the movable actuating member of each of said switches, adapted to engage the stationary locking members, the driven member connected with the movable member of the primary switch engageable with the operating means of the secondary switch to transmit motion thereto whereby a first operation of the primary switch operating means moves both movable switch members to a locked position, said driving head returning to its initial position and one of the said coupling and latching driven members being disengaged from said driving head upon termination of said first operation, said driving head being actuatable upon a second operation of the primary switch operating means for movement into engagement with said one of the coupling and latching driven members for efiecting movement thereof from latching engagement with said stationary locking members, and release means for selectively effecting release of said movable actuating members carried by said primary and secondary switches prior to the completion of the operating cycle of the driving head, said release means including an electromagnet supported on said base. a drawbar reciprocably mounted on said base and actuatable by said electromagnet, said drawbar having pins secured thereto, pivotally mounted bellcranks on said base, either bellcrank having one end thereof engaging one of said pins for actuation thereby whereby said bellcrank upon pivoting movement selectively urges each coupling and latching driven member out of engagement with said stationary locking members.

4. A multiple switch arrangement comprising a base having a primary switch and a secondary switch mounted thereon, a movable switch actuating member for each of said switches, switch contacts operated by said movable members, means for operating the movable member of each of said switches, a driving head on the operating means of the primary switch, said driving head being provided with guiding means, latch release means and coupling means, stationary locking members carried by said base in juxtaposition to said driving head, a coupling and latching driven member connected with the movable member of each of said switches, adapted to engage the stationary locking members, the driven member connected with the movable member of the primary switch engageable with the operating means of the secondary switch to transmit motion thereto whereby a first operation of the primary switch operating means moves both movable switch members to a locked position, said driving head returning to its initial position and said coupling and latching driven memher being disengaged from said driving head upon termination of said first operation, said driving head being actuatable upon a second operation of the primary switch operating means for movement into engagement with one of the said coupling and latching driven members for effecting movement thereof from latching engagement with said one of the stationary locking members, and release means for selectively effecting release of said movable switch members carried by said primary and secondary switches prior to the completion of the operating cycle of the driving head, said release means including an electromagnet supported on said base, a drawbar reciprocably mounted on said base and actuatable by said electromagnet, said drawbar having pins secured thereto, pivotally mounted bellcranks on said base, each bellcrank having one end thereof engaging one of said pins for actuation thereby whereby said bellcrank upon pivoting movement selectively urges either coupling and latching driven member out of engagement with said stationary locking members, said release means further including a pull lever having a cam surface engageable with each movable member, said pull lever being carried by the means for operating the movable members.

5. A multiple switch arrangement comprising a base having a primary switch and a secondary switch mounted thereon, a movable switch actuating member for each of said switches, switch contacts operated by said movable members, first means carried by said base for operating the movable switch actuating member of the primary switch, second means carried by said base for operating the movable switch actuating member of said secondary switch, said second means being connected for movement with the movable member of the primary switch, third means for operating the first means, said first and second means each including trip operating arms pivotally carried by said base, and drive heads reciprocably supported by said base and pivotally connected to each of said trip operating arms, each driving head being provided with latch release means, stationary locking members carried by said base in juxtaposition to said driving heads, a coupling and latching driven member connected with the movable switch actuating member of each of said switches adapted to engage the respective stationary locking members, a first operation of the primary switch upon actuation of said third means effecting movement of both movable switch actuating members to a locked position, the driving head of the primary switch returning to its initial position and said coupling and latching driven member of the primary switch being disengaged from the driving head cooperating therewith upon termination of said first operation, said driving head of the primary switch being actuatable upon a second operation of said third means for movement into engagement with said coupling and latching driven member of the primary switch for effecting movement thereof from latching engagement with the stationary locking member of the primary switch, thereby releasing the driving head of the secondary switch for movement to its initial position.

6. A multiple switch arrangement comprising a base having a primary switch and a secondary switch mounted thereon, a movable switch actuating member for each of said switches, switch contacts operated by said movable members, first means carried by said base for operating the movable member of the primary switch, second means carried by said base for operating the movable member of said secondary switch, said second means being connected for movement with the movable actuating member of the primary switch, third means for operating the first means, said first and second means each including trip operating arms pivotally carried by said base, and drive heads reciprocably supported by said base and pivotally connected to each of said trip arms, each driving head being provided with latch release means, stationary locking members carried by said base in juxtaposition to said driving heads, a coupling and latching driven member connected with the movable actuating mem- 11 her of each of said switches adapted to engage the respective stationary locking members, a first operation of the primary switch upon actuation of said third means effecting movement of both movable switch actuating members to a locked position, the driving head of the primary switch returning to its initial position and said coupling and latching driven member of the primary switch being disengaged from the driving head cooperating therewith upon termination of said first operation, said driving head of the primary switch being actuatable upon a second operation of said third means for movement into engagement with said coupling and latching driven member of the primary switch for effecting movement thereof from latching engagement with the stationary locking member of the primary switch, thereby releasing the driving head of the secondary switch for movement to its initial position, a still further operation of said third means effecting movement of the driving head of the secondary switch into engagement with said coupling and latching driven member of the secondary switch for effecting movement thereof from latching engagement with the stationary locking member of the secondary switch thereby opening the contacts made in the secondary switch.

7. A multiple switch arrangement comprising a base having a primary switch and a secondary switch mounted thereon, a movable switch actuating member for each of said switches, switch contacts operated by said movable members, first means carried by said base for operating the movable member of the primary switch, second means carried by said base for operating the movable member of said secondary switch, said second means being connected for movement with the movable actuating member of the primary switch, third means for operating the first means, said first and second means each including trip arms pivotally carried by said base,

and drive heads reciprocably supported by said base and pivotally connected to each of said trip arms. each driving head being provided with latch release means, stationary locking members carried by said base in juxtaposition to said driving heads, a coupling and latching driven member connected with the movable member of each of said switches adapted to engage the respective stationary locking members, a first operation of the primary switch upon actuation of said third means effecting movement of both movable switch actuating members to a locked position, the driving head of the primary switch returning to its initial position and said coupling and latching driven member of the primary switch being disengaged from the driving head cooperating therewith upon termination of said first operation, said driving head of the primary switch being actuatable upon a second operation of said third means for movement into engagement with said coupling and latching driven member of the primary switch for eflectins movement thereof from latching engagement with the stationary locking member of the primary switch, thereby releasing the driving head of the secondary switch for movement to its initial position, and release means on said base for selectively effecting release of the interlocked movable members prior to the completion of the operating-cycle of the driving heads.

ORION S. GREESON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

